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Recently got roof bars for my VW Caddy Maxi van but haven't had a roof rack of any sort for years so I'm a bit out of touch.
They arrived with bolts that were too short but the supplier sent out longer replacements.
I had to use quite a bit of force to get the bars to line up with the holes in the roof but got it fitted eventually. Then I noticed that the rubbers on the foot pieces didn't cover the recessed sections on the roof where the threads are. This means that water will get into and sit in those recessed sections.
The bars came with a tube of silicone sealant to put around the bolt holes. I contacted the manufacturers and they told me that the tube of silicon was a 'high quality automotive silicone gasket' and would stop any leaks. They also told me that the bolt holes on the Caddy were sealed units so it would not matter if water got in anyway.
I know that last bit is bollocks as the bolt holes are definitely not sealed units but I'm not sure about the rest. It doesn't seem right that the rubbers don't cover the recessed areas and I'm not confident that the silicone will provide a permanent seal.
Thoughts?
Ta.
know that last bit is bollocks as the bolt holes are definitely not sealed units
the bolt holes go to the inside of the van ?
Silicone will provide as good a seal as any rubber cover - if not better by excluding any air gap
tbh the arches will rot throug before you have to worry about the holt holes on the roof rack mount points rotting out
Id be more concerned about forcing the bars to make them fit - that doesnt sound right.
he bolt holes go to the inside of the van ?
Yup, I've just lined it and noticed the threads were open to the inside of the van so I googled it and apparently some of the vans at least are like that.